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Wild Weasels visit Shaw

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel B. Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  "First in, last out," means only one thing to the Wild Weasels -- it embodies the sacrifices they make to fulfill their mission and to ensure the safety of fellow service members.

Few people know this better than members of the Society of Wild Weasels, who visited Shaw Air Force Base, Jan. 3 to be recognized for their prior service and also see how the next generation of Wild Weasels operates to complete the mission.

"There is no greater sacrifice than giving one's life for another," said Larry LeMiex, historian for the Society of Wild Weasels. "We honor this to the best of our abilities."

The Wild Weasel mission was developed by the U.S. Air Force in 1965 during the Vietnam War era. The reason for its creation was to target and eliminate hostile enemy radar and ground-to-air capabilities to gain air superiority. Today the 20th Fighter Wing continues the Wild Weasels' mission.

The Society of Wild Weasels is a non-profit fraternal military organization established for those who have an interest in, or have participated, in the Wild Weasels mission.

"One of our goals for the society is to educate people on what it means to be a Wild Weasel," said Lt. Col. (Ret.) Edward M. Ballanco, Chief Wild Weasel of the Society of Wild Weasels. "Also what the importance is, and how that carries on into the future."

As Chief Wild Weasel, Ballanco has general charge and control over the affairs of the Society of Wild Weasels and final board decisions. Ballanco presides over board, committee, and membership meetings, interprets the charter, and represents the Society as necessary.

The Wild Weasel mission and operational capabilities have grown significantly since its original inception, Ballanco explained. During the Vietnam era, Wild Weasels were forced to be reactive to enemy threats because they were trying to grasp the new tactics, equipment and machinery necessary to execute their mission. These challenges made practical application on the battlefield difficult for the Wild Weasels.

The Gulf War generation of Wild Weasels had access to much more sophisticated technology, training and a thoroughly refined mission developed from the success and failures of prior years, Ballanco said. The results were more proactive focused assaults on the enemy's electronic assets. This allowed the United States to quickly gain a significant upper hand through air superiority.

"In Vietnam we were reactive and in Desert Storm we were proactive," Ballanco explained. "The difference was night and day."

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Allen T. Lamb was one of the original Wild Weasels who flew in Vietnam. He also helped develop the F-4 aircraft which was used by future generations of Wild Weasels. The Wild Weasels original objective was to protect friendly aircraft from hostile surface to air missile fire, and eliminate hostile electronic assets.

"I was a Weasel from 1965-66," Lamb said "Those were the proudest days of my life."
The Wild Weasels were better equipped to deal with surface to air missile attacks, therefore they would sweep the target area providing suppressive fire for the strike force, Lamb said. The strike force would then deploy their bombs while the Weasels would circle around the strike force, covering the rear flank providing suppressive fire as they exit the hostile area. This strategy has been refined and enforced throughout the years and led to the Wild Weasels motto, "First in, last out."

There are many pieces which make up the puzzle of operations within the Society of Wild Weasels and each plays an important role.

"I keep track of basic historical evolution of the society" LeMiex said.

The historian, LeMiex is responsible for organizing and collecting Wild Weasel history. LeMiex is also responsible to coordinate with museums and historical agencies displaying and archiving Wild Weasel memorabilia.

"There are approximately 2,600 members in the Society to date and we're constantly growing and looking to recruit members," LeMiex said. "We're always glad to add new members that will help in allowing us to continue the proud heritage the Wild Weasels has established and maintained over the years."

"One goal as historian is to honor those who have come before us and those who've made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," LeMiex explained. "We honor our Weasels that are POW's and those KIA by making them honorary members of the Society of Wild Weasels."

They expressed unwavering gratitude for the accommodations afforded to them by the 20th FW toward their cause.

"We are interested in carrying on the tradition," said Ballanco. "The wing has been very energetic in wanting to grab the torch and run with it, and we certainly appreciate that."
After the Society members were shown what the current generations of Weasels are doing to uphold, honor and advance the mission and legacy of the Wild Weasels, the reaction was unanimous.

"What these guys are doing now is unbelievable," Lamb said "I'm so proud of them."
History plays a vital role in molding a better tomorrow, LeMiex explains. Knowing where you've come from helps determine where your going.

"I felt like everyone involved in the mission needs to know where their heritage comes from," said Capt. Elijah A. Supper, 77th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot. "It's really going to mean a lot more hearing their stories first hand."

Each one of them brings a unique perspective to the Wild Weasel mission and story from the time they spent serving, Supper said. We felt that would be beneficial for us to recognize.

"They flew the F-105, they flew the F-111, they flew the F-4," Supper explained. "They started the weasel program all the way through testing, there's a little bit from every generation."

Today, we continue to take hostile enemy fire to draw attention away from our troops so they can execute their mission in a more secure environment.

"Being a Wild Weasel fills you with a sense of pride and selflessness," Supper explained. "Knowing you're the first in and last out, I feel like that's held true throughout the years.

"They're excited that Shaw will become the home of the Weasels," he concluded "They're excited to know that this is where the heritage of the Weasels will live, stay and grow."